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Globalisation and the Irish economic miracleCommentators within and outside the Irish Republic cite her economic growth in the 1990s as evidence of how nations can flourish in the globalised world. However, while Ireland is often cited as a showpiece of globalisation, few specify more clearly what this means. Researchers will examine in detail what can be understood by the term globalisation and how this might relate to the Irish case. | |
Pinning down the causes of crimeThe way in which the volume of criminal activity moves over time, and the factors underlying these movements, are important public policy questions. Key topics of a new study include the effect of the National Minimum Wage on crime, the importance of age and education in determining youth crime, and the relationship between the position of females in the labour market and crime. | |
Why we seek health advice onlineBetween 10,000 and 20,000 health-related sites are available on the Internet. Recent studies have investigated the quality of health information and advice provided on the Internet, but few have explored the ways in which people interact with this information. A new project will adopt an interdisciplinary approach to the study of how and why people actively seek health and fitness advice online. | |
Who do we trust and why?Trust in sources of advice is important for effective risk communication. When trust is lost in a government department, a medical body, or some other agency, its influence over people's opinions and behaviour declines. A new study will explore a range of questions concerning trust including what determines trust and is it easier to destroy than to create trust? | |
The rise of the female studentWomen now outnumber men as students entering UK universities. Yet, until the 1970s, the proportion of female students remained stable at around 25 per cent. Researchers will scrutinise the chronology of, and reasons for, this trend. Has, for example, institutional changes such as the granting of university status to polytechnics, given a distorted impression of upward trends? | |
Taking the high street to ChinaMulti-national retailers from the UK and Japan are currently branching out into China. Researchers will examine the impact of these multinational retailers on the development of consumer culture in China and explore the factors involved in the transferability of business practices. The retail industry is a vital constituent of the UK economy and findings will be shared with business user and governmental groups. | |
Jobs and unions go onlineThe Internet is changing both labour markets and unions. In the case of the job market it influences the speed with which workers find jobs and employers fill vacancies and the quality of these matches. And for unions, it is changing the way services are provided to members and non-members. The study will help inform union innovation and best practice use of the Internet in the job market. | |
Keeping tabs on intellectual propertyHow can intellectual property rights be managed in shared digital environments? A new study will examine the defence sector as an area where the complexity and cost of product design, manufacture and support are inducing firms and their customers to rely on information networks to share technical data and information. How can firms and customers manage intellectual property rights in these circumstances? | |
Does private tuition work?Surprisingly little is known about the nature and extent of supplementary private tuition in school subjects, or 'shadow education' in England. Researchers aim to develop a better understanding of private tuition and other forms of educational support received by young people through a questionnaire survey and interviews with parents. The study will evaluate the impact of supplementary tuition on learning. | |
Employers and the burden of tax creditsThe Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) was introduced in October 1999 to improve living standards of low income working families with children. In 2003 WFTC is being replaced by Working Tax Credit (WTC). A new study will explore the set up and operating costs to employers of both systems, examine any special problems and evaluate possible benefits of the change to WTC. | |
Investigating the flat-earthersSome children and even a few adults appear to believe that the earth is flattened or hollow. Investigation of child and adult knowledge of the earth can reveal much about conceptual development, and has important implications for science education and the public understanding of science. A new study will explore the true extent of child and adult understanding of the earth. | |
Pensions over the InternetHas the use of the Internet transformed the structure, geography and process of pension provision in the UK and the potential for further change? Data will be gathered from pension providers, Independent Financial Advisers, corporate customers and individual consumers. Issues to be addressed include the threat and implication of disintermediation of the supply chain and the capability of the Internet to empower those who use it. | |
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